Life in Portland

Talking PDX With Our Friends at Sugar Mountain Vintage

In this series, Urban Nest sits down with local PDX business owners to talk shop about what makes their store or business fit so well with Portland. Learn about new neighborhoods, new businesses, PDX community and more!

A Hidden Gem for Vintage Lovers in North Portland

While Portlanders are known for their love of all things vintage, analog, and old-fashioned, North Portland's Sugar Mountain Vintage is primarily focused on just one decade: the 1970's. Inside, you'll find clothing, shoes, accessories, housewares, records, and more, all carefully curated by owner Hannah Humphries. Read on for our interview with Hannah to learn how she found success in North Portland and turned her vintage vision into a reality.

UN: How long have you been in business?

August will be our 2 year anniversary.

UN: What is unique about your business?

I'm really drawn to all things 60’s and 70’s, funky and strange, but also affordable. I love providing a curated selection with an inclusive price range. Also, it's really important to build relationships with our customers and community.

UN: For you, what is most important about the customer experience?

The experience of our shoppers is everything at Sugar Mountain! Whether or not someones buys anything I want people to feel a certain emotion here of being engaged and of simply having fun! This shop is basically the opposite of the white minimalist trend in Portland. We’re a silly, funky, and affordable little shop and I want folks to feel the love of treasure that I feel.

UN: How would you describe the community that surrounds your business?

This block has acquired the nickname ‘the Mystic District’ because there's a lot of women-owned business sprouting here and being an inviting, inclusive business that tries to have a positive impact on the community is what we’re all about!

UN: What do you think makes your business a great fit for Portland?

Portland has responded so well to this shop because we’re a little weird, affordable, and definitely chill.

UN: What is your favorite thing about Portland?

My favorite shop in Portland would have to be Ed’s House of Gems. I love that it has been around for such a long time and the grumpy old men that work there are exactly what you would expect from a rockhound shop. On the whole what I love about Portland is that despite what many folks feel right now there are a lot of old shops and businesses that have been around a long time and are staying just the same and I find that charming.

UN: What part of town do you live in, and what do you love about it most?

I live about 10 blocks from here, but technically Irvington. I love North East Portland and am so happy about all the sweet new businesses popping up next to all the great older business that have been here for years.